TCL 502 (T432J) Prime Black 32GB

The TCL 502 scores in the 11th percentile for performance and the 7th percentile for camera, making it one of the weakest smartphones in our database. At CAD 103 to CAD 115, it's cheap, but the 2GB RAM and 480 x 960 display mean every task feels slow. It's a functional phone for calls and texts, nothing more.

The MediaTek 6761V is a 4-core chip clocked at 2.00GHz, and in our database it lands at the 11th percentile for performance. That's near the bottom of the barrel. With 2GB of RAM, you're looking at one app at a time, maybe two if you're feeling brave. Switching between apps will reload them constantly. The 32GB of storage fills up fast too, though the microSD slot supporting up to 512GB helps if you're storing photos or music locally.

Connectivity is another weak spot. The 14th percentile ranking comes from 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, which is two generations behind current standards. No 5GHz band, no Wi-Fi 5 or 6. On 4G LTE it'll handle calls and messages fine, but don't expect snappy data speeds in congested areas. The 10W wired charging at 5V 2A means the 3000mAh battery takes a while to top up, and that battery itself is only at the 31st percentile. This is a phone that asks for patience in every interaction.

Stacked against the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 9a, Apple iPhone 16e, Motorola Moto G, or Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, the TCL 502 doesn't compete. It exists in a different universe. The Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e are mid-range devices with cameras and displays that score in the top quartile of our database. The Moto G and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G are budget phones that still manage solid performance and battery life. The TCL 502's 2GB RAM and 480 x 960 display put it at the 11th and 17th percentiles respectively, while those competitors sit far higher. The only place the TCL wins is price. If you're comparing these phones, you're not really comparing them. You're deciding whether saving a few hundred dollars is worth a dramatically worse experience in every measurable category.

At CAD 103 to CAD 115 across two Canadian listings, the TCL 502 is priced like a burner phone with slightly better specs. The CAD 12 spread between vendors is worth checking before you buy, and the cheaper listing is the obvious choice since you're getting the exact same hardware. For the money, you get a functional Android device with 4G, a headphone jack, and expandable storage. But value isn't just about the lowest price. The 7th percentile camera and 11th percentile performance mean you're paying for a phone that struggles with anything beyond the basics. If your budget is strictly under CAD 120, this is one of the few new options. If you can stretch even CAD 50 more, the used market opens up dramatically better phones.

The TCL 502 lands in our database with a 2GB RAM and 32GB storage combo that puts it at the 11th percentile for performance. That's not a typo. This is a phone built for calls, texts, and maybe some light browsing, and the numbers back that up. The 5.5-inch 480 x 960 LCD sits at the 17th percentile for display quality, which means you'll notice the pixels if you look closely. And the 3000mAh battery? 31st percentile. Nothing here is going to blow your hair back.

But here's the thing. At CAD 103 to CAD 115, this is one of the cheapest ways to get a brand new Android phone with 4G LTE. The MediaTek 6761V quad-core chip runs at 2.00GHz, which is enough for basic apps if you're patient. There's a headphone jack, expandable storage up to 512GB, and a compact form factor that scored 13.9 out of 100 in our compactness metric. It's not a good phone by flagship standards. It's a functional phone for people who need the basics without spending real money.

Anyone who uses their phone for more than calls and texts should skip the TCL 502. The 7th percentile camera means photos will disappoint every time. The 11th percentile performance means apps will lag, freeze, and reload constantly with only 2GB of RAM. The 17th percentile display makes videos and images look soft and pixelated. And the 31st percentile battery means you'll be reaching for a charger by mid-afternoon with moderate use. If you want to browse social media, watch videos, take photos, or play games, this phone will frustrate you daily. Even as a backup device, the outdated 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and slow 10W charging make it feel like a step back in time.

The TCL 502 is a phone for people who need a phone and nothing else. The 11th percentile performance, 7th percentile camera, and 17th percentile display tell a clear story: this device is not built for apps, photos, or media. It's built for calls, texts, and the occasional web search. At CAD 103 to CAD 115, it's hard to call it a rip-off, but it's also hard to call it a good deal. The 31st percentile battery and 14th percentile connectivity mean even the basics come with compromises. If you need a backup phone, a first phone for a kid, or a temporary replacement, it'll do the job. If you want anything resembling a modern smartphone experience, save your money and buy something used.